Set clear expectations
Your friends, cousin, or in-laws have booked their first-time-trip to come and see you. It's normal that you may be feeling overwhelmed and possibly doubting your skills as a tour guide. To lift the weight off your shoulders, start with an email: “Hi guys! I was wondering what are the top things you would like to see while here?” This way, you aren't the only one responsible for the itinerary, and your guests will give you the chance to set the expectations. Also, take the time to inform your visitors in advance about the weather in your host country, some cultural etiquette, and essential travel documents (if needed), such as an immunisation passport. Last, be upfront about your other commitments during their stay, availability, and work schedule — while your guests might be taking a long holiday, you might be only able to take time off work during weekends.
Set up a budget
It's precious to have a full house and see the empty guestrooms filling up with life and laughter. However, making your home feel like home to your visitors won't be without a cost, and it can actually become pricey for the host. Thus, plan and allocate a budget towards the visit for leisure activities and sightseeing, food, transport, and accommodation, if you will be spending a couple of nights away. Now it's also the time to be objective about the status of your relationship with your guests, and decide how often you will be grabbing and paying the bills.
Take a leave from work
If you are a freelancer and the nature of your job allows you to work in advance, it may be a good idea to complete some of your assignments prior to the arrival of your guests to ensure more time with them during their stay. If you are a full-time employee, try to take a leave from work for at least the first days of your guests' stay, until they feel confident to move around on their own. They will surely appreciate you picking them up from the airport, showing them your home and neighbourhood for the first time, and being part of the first taste of the country. Of course, there's nothing wrong in dedicating some time on a daily basis to go through urgent work emails, as long as you don't transfer any of your stress and anxiety to the holidaymakers.
Request a taste of home
If it's been a long time since you last went back home, and there are no plans of making the trip any time soon, take this opportunity to ask for some of your favourite things from home. Food items are usually the most missed when living abroad, and it is normal for guests to be willing to please their hosts by bringing goodies such as chocolates, biscuits, and coffee. Or you may opt for a skin cream, which has been impossible to find in your host country, or local alcohol. Whatever it is, discuss in advance with your guests the method of payment and weight of products, as some people are strictly light travellers.
Introduce them to your new home
Remember that your visitors aren't coming only to see a new country but also to spend time with you and experience your expat life. Thus, besides the apparent touristy stuff, most visitors are eager to experience the local lifestyle and traditions. To make it easier for them, dedicate some time to simple daily activities such as going to the farmer's market or preparing a local dish together. Also, introduce your visitors to your friends and network in your new country to help them feel more connected to you and your new life abroad.
Become a tourist for a day
Depending on how long you have been living in your host country, you may feel that you have seen it all already. However, there are definitely some things you haven't done or even heard about. Dedicate some time to do in-depth research about unique places, activities, or festivals that take place in the area, and dare to become a tourist for a day. It's a good idea to ask other expats who have been around for longer or local friends about recommendations.
Remember to enjoy
With your guests, your routine has changed — you sleep less, spend more time outside the home, dine out frequently, have not been to the gym for a while. Also, every time you need to use the bathroom someone is already in, and you don't seem to be able to get alone time for more than a few minutes. Don't fret! You will get all these back soon, but what you can hold onto is the happy moments you spend with your guests and the feeling of being closer to home thanks to their presence.
